Japanese Print "Sambaso Dance in a Brothel (Ageya Sanbaso)" by Okumura Masanobu
Artist:Okumura Masanobu
Title:Sambaso Dance in a Brothel (Ageya Sanbaso)
Date:about 1710
Details:More information...
Source:Worcester Art Museum
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Description:
Dancing acts played at the beginning of Japanese No and Kabuki theaters included three actors. One played the role of Okina, an aged man; the second impersonated the spirit of Senzai (1000 years) who carried a box containing treasures of long life and golden opportunities; the third, performed the Sanbaso [sanban (third) so (old man)] dance. This print is a mitate-e (parody-picture) of a real dance performance; the cartouches indicate the roles the three female figures impersonate. The courtesan with the book (simulating a hat) on her head is Tayu Jo (Courtesan Jo); she performs the role of Okina. On her kimono is the kiri-character crest (mon) of Arashi lineage actors. Her young girl attendant (kamuro), seated at the right wearing an inverted sake cup in place of a hat, performs the role of Senzai. She holds a